Smartphones and tablets improve almost faster than consumers can keep up with, and the apps designed for them change even more quickly. That means that there is a lot of opportunity for plagiarism. But surely sometimes it’s just a coincidence, right? It’s not out of the question that two developers could realistically be trying to fulfill the same need.
This week has brought us one more heated internet debate: Is hotel application Tonight by Japan’s GREE a rip-off of North American app Hotel Tonight, or are their similarities just coincidence?
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Japan has abolished advance deportation notifications to foreigners’ lawyers
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japan’s suicides fall to lowest recorded number ever, but one demographic hits all-time high
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Man arrested in rural Japan on charges of leaving obscene DVDs in stores as gifts for “healthy men”
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to Japan’s snowy Hokkaido Prefecture!
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
Japanese young women reveal their top dealbreakers in a man【Survey】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Man arrested in rural Japan on charges of leaving obscene DVDs in stores as gifts for “healthy men”
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to Japan’s snowy Hokkaido Prefecture!
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Japan is in the grip of sticker fever and no one is safe, including us
Major Japanese ramen chain’s logo confuses Honda cars’ AI
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Open-air public toilet at Sensoji temple in Tokyo is waiting to be discovered by foreign tourists
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Japan’s got a subscription service for pillows with or without plastic tubes inside